Tourette’s syndrome is a condition affecting the brain and nervous system (a neurological
condition) that is characterised by involuntary, random sounds and movements, known
as tics.

It usually begins in childhood.

Tics

Tics can be:

Phonic (making sounds) – such as grunting, coughing or shouting out words

Physical – such as jerking of the head or jumping up and down

Tics can also be:

Simple, involving moving only one muscle or uttering a single sound

Complex, involving a series of physical movements or speaking a long phrase

Most people diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome have a combination of physical and
vocal tics, which can be both simple and complex.

The tics do not usually pose a serious threat to a person's physical health, although
physical tics, such as jerking of the head, can often be painful. However, children
and adults affected by Tourette’s syndrome can experience associated problems such
as social isolation, embarrassment and low self-esteem.

Treating Tourette’s syndrome

Some people with Tourette’s syndrome only experience tics occasionally and do not
require treatment.

When the tics are more frequent, there are several medications that have proved reasonably
effective in helping to control them.

A type of psychotherapy known as behavioural therapy can also be effective in many
people with Tourette’s syndrome.

Associated conditions

Children who develop Tourette’s syndrome will usually also have one or more other
developmental or behavioural conditions. The two most commonly reported conditions
are described below:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that causes persistent obsessive
thoughts and compulsive behaviour. For example, feeling compelled to constantly wash
your hands because you are obsessed with the fear that you will catch a serious illness
if you don’t.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition that causes
symptoms such as short attention span, being easily distracted and being unable to
sit still because you are constantly fidgeting (hyperactivity).

In addition, children with Tourette’s syndrome may have other behavioural problems,
such as flying into sudden rages or engaging in inappropriate or anti-social behaviour
with other children.

In many cases, these associated conditions and behavioural problems can be more disruptive
and troublesome than Tourette’s itself.

Causes

The cause of Tourette’s syndrome is unclear but it appears to be strongly associated
with a part of the brain called the "basal ganglia", which plays an important role
in regulating body movements.

In people with Tourette’s syndrome the basal ganglia appears to "misfire", resulting
in the tics associated with the condition.

Who is affected by Tourette’s syndrome?

Tourette’s syndrome is a lot more common than most people realise, as it affects
around 1 in every 100 people.

The symptoms usually begin at around the age of seven and become most pronounced
during the teenage years.

Boys are more likely to be affected by Tourette’s syndrome than girls. It is unclear
why this is the case.

Outlook

Two thirds of people will experience a marked improvement in their symptoms, usually
around 10 years after they first began. Many of these people will no longer require
medication or therapy to control their tics.

For some people the Tourette symptoms become much less troublesome and frequent,
while for others they can disappear entirely.

In the remaining third of people with Tourette’s syndrome, their symptoms will persist
throughout their life, but the symptoms will usually become milder as they grow older.
This means their need for medication and therapy may pass over time.